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Fine Dining In Orlando Florida

Fine Dining In Orlando Florida
written by Mark Whichard

When you enjoy the vacation of your life in Orlando, Florida you may want to treat yourself and your family to a meal at some of the finer restaurants in the area. Here is a pick of some of my favorites.

California Grill
Located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort this restaurant was voted Orlando’s Most Popular restaurant. Its renowned chef Clifford Pleau continually reinvents his “unique seasonal menus”, creating “divine” dishes paired with an “equally eloquent wine list”; add “impeccable” service and “spectacular” views of the park and its fireworks, and the result is truly great, even if it is accompanied by tourists wearing shorts and Mickey Mouse ears! Location: Disney World, Contemporary Hotel, $41

Christini’s
This restaurant has been called “a treasure among restaurants”, and is located in the in the Dr. Phillips area of South Orlando. It is well-known for lavish meals, complemented by a 450-label wine list. The food is served in a romantic setting with strolling musicians giving you the ambience of a night out in Italy. However, the feasting here does not come cheap and the prices are “high” even by “expense-account” standards. South Orlando 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., $52

Hemingways
If you have always loved the mystique of Ernest Hemingway then this is the place to go. The Hemingway-at-Key-West decor (rods and reels, a stuffed marlin, nautical trinkets) at this Lake Buena Vista hotel seafood house makes you feel like you’ve spent the day fishing with Hemingway. Guests describe it as “a nice place to bring clients” or to celebrate “special occasions” and some of the favorite dishes include coconut shrimp and paella. Lake Buena Vista 1 Grand Cypress Blvd. $41

Morton’s of Chicago
If price is no object to a good meal then this steakhouse is the place for you. When was the last time you’ve had beef so tender and full of flavor that you have to remark after every bite? While the steakhouse is particularly close to the Central Florida theme parks, it is tucked away in the quaint Doctor Phillips Marketplace, a respite of sorts from nearby tourist hangouts. The clientèle is made up of Orlando executives and Orlando business travelers. They are all here to drink martinis and sink their teeth into the juicy porterhouse, sirloin and Maine lobster. As for side dishes, don’t pass up the specialty, potatoes Lyonnaise. Location: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd. $60

Venetian Room
This is a fine-dining restaurant that prides itself on offering an elegant experience of the highest level. The chef de cuisine is Khalid Benghallem, a former sous chef at Emeril’s and the opening chef at Shula’s Steakhouse in the Dolphin Hotel. The menu is typical for an upscale restaurant in this category and includes foie gras, crab cake, lamb rack, veal chops and other dishes. However, it is the special preparation of these common items that makes this restaurant special. You will, however, have to pay for this unique treat. This is not a cheap restaurant and appetizers range from $14 to $17, and six of the seven entries are more.than $30. Location: Caribe Royal Hotel 8101 World Center Drive

There you have it. If price is no object, and you just want to enjoy a fine meal at a great restaurant, then one of these Orlando restaurants will certainly satisfy you.

About the Author:
Mark Whichard writes frequently on vacation and tourism in the Orlando area. He and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Orlando’s Finest Vacation Homes LLC and are experts in the field of Orlando vacation rentals with experience dating to 1998. Visit their website: www.orlandosfinest.com for more information about a vacation home, villa or condo in the Orlando area.